Fraud Prevention Tips

Tips for protecting yourself against ATM/Debit card fraud:

• Never write your Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your card or in your wallet. Memorize your PIN as soon as possible. Do not reveal your PIN to anyone.
• Never use your date of birth, social security number, license number, or street address as a PIN — those are the first numbers a thief will try.
• Do not throw away your ATM receipts at the ATM location. Keep them to reconcile your account, then dispose of them properly when you get home.
• Always be aware of your surroundings when using the ATM. If it is late at night, try to use a machine that is well lit and avoid dark, remote locations.
• Always evaluate the ATM machine you are using. Look for anything that may be suspicious looking, attached to, or around the machine. Thieves use ATM Skimmers (a device placed on the front of the ATM) to steal your card information.
• Always make sure to retrieve your ATM card from the machine when the transaction is complete. Some machines fully insert your card and do not return it until the transaction is over.
• Be aware of the person behind you. Make sure no one can see you entering your PIN or how much money you withdraw.
• Wait until you are completely finished with your transaction and it returns to the home screen of the ATM.
• Review your statement promptly to ensure all transactions are accurate. Report any discrepancies immediately.
• Destroy old ATM cards immediately after receiving your replacement cards.

Tips for protecting yourself against check cashing Fraud:

• Always safeguard your checks. Do not leave your checks out in an open area. Never leave your checks in your car or out on your desk at the office.
• Keep your blank checks and canceled checks in a safe place. Put them in a vault or other secure location. Destroy old blank checks if you are not going to use them.
• Limit the amount of personal information printed on the checks to your name and address. Use plain designed checks. The fancier the check, the easier it is to forge the signature. Useful information for thieves includes not only your account numbers, but information used to verify your identity, such as your driver’s license number, date of birth, and social security number. Do not have this information printed on your checks.
• Do not leave your bill payments sitting in an unlocked mailbox for pickup. Many credit thieves will steal bills from rural mailboxes at the end of driveways so they can get your account information, checking information, and even your checks. Go to the Post Office directly or use a curbside USPS mailbox (the blue metal ones) and drop your bills in the slot rather than using less secure street mailboxes.
• Be discreet when writing checks in public places. Write your checks carefully and leave no space in which figures or words can be inserted.
• When you make an error in writing a check, be sure to destroy the check or write “VOID” or “canceled” across it and store it with your other voided/canceled checks.
• If your checks are lost or stolen, report it immediately to your financial institution.
• Reconcile your monthly statements as soon as possible to ensure all transactions are accurate. Contact us immediately if you do not receive it when expected.
• When you reorder checks, mark your calendar. If you do not receive your checks within 15 working days, contact your financial institution immediately to inquire as to the status of the order.
• Consider alternatives to check writing. For instance, paying by phone, online, bill-pay, or setting up automatic payments. Fewer checks mean fewer theft opportunities.

Tips for protecting yourself against credit card fraud:

DO's

• Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates, and the phone number and address of each company in a secure place.
• Review your credit card statement as soon as possible. Match charges with your receipts to ensure all charges are yours and are for the correct amount.
• Always sign a new credit card immediately.
• When making a purchase with a credit card, make sure you get the card back and the receipt. Check the receipt for accuracy.
• Void incorrect receipt
• When using a credit card at a restaurant or store, make sure that all blank lines are marked through so that no one can change the final amount and never sign a blank receipt.
• Only travel with the credit cards you plan on using.
• Never give the account number of the credit card over the phone unless you initiate the call.
• Notify card companies in advance of a change in address.

DON'T's

• Lend your card(s) to anyone
• Do not write the PIN for the account on the card
• Leave cards or receipts lying around
• Sign a blank receipt. When you sign a receipt, draw a line through any blank spaces above the total.
• Write your account number on a postcard or the outside of an envelope.
• Give out your account number over the phone unless you are making the call to a company you know is reputable. If you have questions about a company, check it out with the Better Business Bureau.